HC Deb 30 March 1943 vol 388 cc33-5
Mr. Arthur Greenwood

May I ask the. Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make about the military situation in Tunisia?

The Prime Minister

Since I informed the House last week of the check sustained on the Mareth front, the situation has turned very much in our favour. General Montgomery's decision to throw his weight on to the turning movement instead of persisting in the frontal attack has been crowned with success. Another severe defeat has been inflicted by the Desert Army upon the Axis forces they have so long pursued. According to my latest information, we occupied El Hamma last night, and our vanguards passed through Gabes this morning. The decisive break-through of General Frey-berg's turning force was aided to an extraordinary degree by the novel forms of intense air attack, in which many hundreds of British aircraft were simultaneously employed.

The enemy losses in men and material have of course been very serious to him, and the panzer divisions in particular are remarkably mauled and enfeebled. It is, however, too soon to say what proportion of the Italian 20th and 21st Army Corps have been left behind. The operations are being prosecuted with the utmost energy.

It must be remembered that this new exploit of the Desert Army must be viewed in its relation to the general scheme of action on the whole Tunisian front. The very fine unceasing advance of the United States Forces and the increasing activities in the French sector and on the front of the British First Army, all play their part in the combinations of General Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander, and his Deputy, General Alexander.

I should not close, however, without uttering a warning against any underrating of the task which lies before the whole group of Allied Armies and Air Forces in Tunisia. The country is very difficult and abounds in defensive positions, but we have every reason to be satisfied with the progress already made by our superior forces and superior equipment under their skilful and resolute commanders.

Sir Percy Harris

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether General Montgomery's Army included both French and New Zealand troops?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. New Zealand troops have actually passed through Gabes this morning. That I am entitled to say, as they are actually in contact with the enemy.

Mr. Ivor Thomas

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if General Montgomery was in the German army, he would still be a sergeant?